Peer Support is a programme where groups of Year 12 students work with the new Year 9 Ako classes. The Year 12s help the Year 9 students to establish friendships with their peers, bond as a class, and get to know their new college. 

Year 12 Peer Supporters meet them on their first day of school, giving tours of the school, running fun games to help them get to know each other and share their own experiences of being a Year 9 at a Catholic school.

Peer Support then runs every Tuesday afternoon from 2:35pm until 3:20pm in Term 1, (so Year 9s finish at 3:20pm every day in Term 1, there is no early finish for them until Term 2), and they will also see their Peer Supporters in Ako times, school camp, Athletics Day etc. 

It is not optional, but the students love the connections and genuine friendships they grow with their senior 'Big Sisters' as well as getting to know better the students in their group.

When we asked our current Year 9 students what they would want Year 8s coming to know about Peer Support, the Year 9s have said the following:

• "It is a good way to help settle in."
• "When you first get there don't be scared to talk to them because they're older, just get involved and make connections." 
• "It’s an awesome way to get a lot of info about how the school runs and what to expect. Also a great way to make friends with the Year 12s."
• "Just to appreciate that they’re taking time to actually be their peer supporters (like staying on Tuesdays when they could finish early!)."
• "It's a great opportunity to connect with people in your class and could possibly inspire them to possibly become one too later in their future at Sacred Heart."
• "It’s fun!"